Manual Version 2.00 April 3, 2012 PowerFLARM Device Manual for FW v2.
Contents Introduction ................................................................. 3 Installation ................................................................... 5 General Advice on Installation........................................................... 5 Housing ....................................................................................................... 6 Connections ............................................................................................... 8 GPS-System ............
Introduction A PowerFLARM™ device draws its position and movement information from an internal GPS-receiver. The position measured is rendered more accurate by an integral pressure sensor. The device calculates the predicted flight path and transmits this information as a short, low-power digital signal burst at onesecond intervals together with a unique identification code.
high probability of a dangerous convergence in the immediate future. Communications between PowerFLARM / FLARM devices employ a proprietary, copyright protected protocol in different frequency bands allocated by region. Effective range depends upon the position in which device and antenna is fitted. The communications system between devices is protected against unauthorised access. The design is patent protected. There is no public access to the protocol.
Installation General Advice on Installation Installation and operation is on a non-interference and nonhazard basis, and may not be allowed to endanger the safe operation of certificated equipment that is either necessary or required by regulation for safe flight. Installation must comply with official requirements. The device must be so secured that the pilot can see the displays, hear the acoustic warnings, and operate the turning-button.
microSD-reader are easily accessible or reachable with an extension cable. The serial number must be known for software updates. It is advisable that the device is so fitted to the aircraft that the turn-button cannot be inadvertently pressed during entry to or egress from the aircraft. Should the device or any associated components be fitted to a part of the aircraft that will be jettisoned in an emergency, suitable break points should be incorporated to prevent any interference with the jettison sequence.
metric M4 screws (max. 10 mm long). The device must be fitted to a flat surface and the housing not subjected to any mechanical stress. Several types of adapter fixtures are available. The housing can also be secured using 3M DualLock industrial fasteners, which can be secured and released several times. Users should note that the adhesive used on 3M DualLock is exceptionally strong and may not easily release.
Connections Overview Power Connector Supplied power must be 12 V DC nominal at 500mA (between 8V and 27V DC, 24V DC nominal may require an additional adapter). This power socket mates with a PP-012 connector (DigiKey part# CP-012-ND, Radio Shack Adaptaplug Tip „A“ 273-334). VDC(+) is on the inside, GND outside.
specifications www.fai.org/gliding/system/files/tech_spec_gnss.pdf Please note that IGS’s pin numbering is reverse to industry standards. VDC and GND are internally connected to the above ‘Power Connector’ Do not use 6 or 4 pin RJ-12/11 connectors as it will cause permanent damage to the socket. An 8-pin ribbon cable with an RJ45 push-fit connector or an 8-pin twisted-pair patch cable with RJ45 may be used. Suitable cables are obtainable from retailers.
On the Data Port connector, PowerFLARM can transmit a combination of GPS, traffic and alarm information to various types of devices (e.g., external displays, flight computers, loggers etc.) The type of data output and the connection parameters (Baud rate) can be configured from the Menu or by commands on the Data Port itself. As of Firmware version 2.00, PowerFLARM implements versions 3, 5 and 6 of the Data Port specification with GPS/FLARM proprietary NMEA and Garmin TIS data.
The installation has a great influence upon both transmission and the reception range achieved, and thus requires careful consideration. The antennas must be vertical to ensure unimpeded emission especially to the front, and to the sides. Users are advised not to install the device within or under the instrument panel without external antennas. Horizontal or nonupright antenna presentation is unacceptable. No electrically conducting surfaces (e.g.
Operation with an internal GPS Antenna When operating with the internal GPS antenna, the device presentation must be unhindered to the sky ahead and sides. Further, the upper side of the device must not be covered. Operation with an external GPS Antenna The antenna should be located in an upright position such that it has an unhindered presentation to the sky, including when the aircraft is in a turn. There should be no electrically conducting surfaces (e.g.
received. But the probability that the next signal from the same transmitter will not be received is generally small. The device is designed to simultaneously receive and process the signals from more than 50 aircraft within radio range. A large number of signals from other aircraft does not reduce the working range. Transponder and ADS-B 1090ES Reception The ADS-B / transponder antennas (marked with blue band) are inserted and screwed to the reverse-polarity rpSMA socket as marked.
Micro SD-Card The device has a built-in microSD card reader, also compatible with microSDHC. The microSD card (also known as TransFlash) is not supplied, but is in widespread use for mobile telephones and can be purchased from most camera or mobile phone retailers. The device uses the microSD card to update the firmware, obstacle and terrain data, to configure the device and download the flight logs. microSD cards are smaller than SD cards or miniSD cards.
important systems. Possible reasons might be a suspected fault in other on-board systems, the presence of smoke, the smell of smoke, or flying over a country where the operation of the device is not approved. In spite of the integral electrical polarity guard, it is important not to confuse the power supply with the data cable. Ensure no non-rechargeable batteries are inserted in the unit.
Battery Insertion The device has a battery compartment on the lower face, and holds six AA batteries. The batteries are inserted by removing the compartment lid. It is essential to ensure that the batteries are inserted with the correct polarity, with no excessive application of force on the battery compartment lid. Rechargeable internal Batteries The device features an internal NiMH battery charger.
Technical Data Dimensions: Length: 94mm Width: 96mm Height: 46mm User Interface: Integral turn/push button 2” transflective LCD display Audio: Built-in warning beeper Output for Headset Audio Volume control Communication: Internal RS232 NMEA Data output for Moving-Map units and external displays (only one user at a time!) internal 3V power supply for remote displays Sensors and GPS: Pressure sensor Microphone 50-channel GPS receiver with internal or external antenna FLARM devic
Operation General Advice on Operation Use The PowerFLARM device is designed for use in non-essential conditions as a 'situation awareness only' device, only to support and assist the pilot. It cannot always be relied upon to provide a warning of collision threat. When using the device, under no circumstances should the aircrew adopt any change in flight tactics, or modify the actions of the user or aircraft commander.
FLARM device signals between two aircraft are only possible in a line of sight; there can be no signal between two aircraft on opposite sides of the same mountain. Position Determination To operate correctly the device must be constantly aware of its own current position, for which reason it will only operate if there is good, three-dimensional GPS reception. GPS reception is greatly influenced by the correct installation and position of the GPS antenna and aircraft attitude.
light aircraft, flight path predictions of more than half a minute are unusable. Data Protection The transmitter has no influence on what a receiver does with the data received. It is possible that this data might be logged by other airborne or ground stations and then used for other purposes. In many instances this could be to the user's advantage (e.g.
Start-Up To switch on the device, the operating button must be pressed for at least three seconds. A start-up display then appears. If the disclaimer screen is not acknowledged by pressing the button within 5 minutes, the device switches off automatically to conserve battery. After acknowledging the disclaimer, the displays how many GPS satellites have been found. As soon as GPS reception is sufficient to give a worthwhile determination of position, the device then switches to normal operation.
Operation The device is operated using the integral turn-button with push function. Turn/push-button The following table gives a brief overview of the most important push-button combinations.
The small aircraft symbol gives the flight direction for distant aircraft. The sign indicates the relative position above or below you. Dark green, orange or red circle: the circle show the approximate distance of the nearest aircraft not equipped with ADS-B-OUT or FLARM devices, i.e. aircraft with only ModeC/S transponders and nearby interrogation. The height information is given in 100 ft steps and the circle symbolises the distance.
green circle, in the example, that target is 2400 ft below. The circle radius gives a distance estimation based on signal strength. The circle turns orange, then red as the target closes in. In the example, the target is 200 ft above. Operation with Mode S/C transponder Mode C signals only carry altitude information, but no identification.
Collision Warnings Warning Presentation If a dangerous situation is recognised during normal operation, the device gives an appropriate warning. The target image displayed is adjusted in accordance with the nature of the threat. Large orange coloured aircraft symbol: this aircraft poses a threat of collision. The flight direction and height difference of the other aircraft are given to the nearest 100 ft, together with an indication of climb/descent.
Depending upon the threat level, the acoustic warning varies the bleeper frequency. Information about Warnings If there are several fixed or moving objects within radio range, the device uses a mathematical algorithm to determine that which poses the most immediate threat, and issues a warning about this threat and none other. The pilot is unable to acknowledge the warning.
thus possible that although a signal is received, that no report is issued about the presence of another aircraft. Settings Menu The settings menu is called up by extended push of the button. The user then navigates his way through the menu by rotating the button. A short push on the button selects the item that is currently highlighted. On top of each menu, a push returns to the previous level. You may quit the menu by a long press of the button at any time. PowerFLARM Device Manual for FW v2.
Menu Structure The following diagram shows the device menu sequence.
Essential Settings Prior to First Flight There are a number of device settings that must be configured prior to the use of the device. These are aircraft-specific settings, that can be found under 'Settings > 'Aircraft'. The values chosen depend upon the aircraft and must be altered before the device is used in another aircraft. These settings are mandatory for correct operation of the device.
The aircraft's ICAO address is found in the aircraft documents, in the USA, consult registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/NNum_Inquiry.aspx . Make sure to use the 6-digit hexadecimal number, not the 8-digit octal number, for number transformation consult www.kloth.net/radio/icao24lookup.php .
The device can only warn of the presence of other aircraft that are equipped with PowerFLARM devices or compatible equipment, and of obstacles that are recorded in the internal data bank. The device does not communicate actively with A/C/S transponders, and is therefore not detected by ACAS/TCAS/PCAS or Air Traffic Control. Likewise, the device does not communicate actively with TIS-B, FIS-B and ADS-B (1090ES, UAT, VDL-4). The device has not undergone the conventional aeronautical certification process.
which may be incurred by FLARM Technology GmbH with respect to any product from FLARM Technology GmbH. In addition, FLARM Technology GmbH's current General Terms and Conditions of Sale apply. FLARM Technology GmbH makes no warranties based on the accuracy or completeness of the contents of this document and reserves the right to make changes to specifications and product descriptions at any time without notice.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe A est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada. RF Radiation Hazard Warning To ensure compliance with FCC and Industry Canada RF exposure requirements, this device must be installed in a location where the antennas of the device will have a minimum distance of at least 30 cm (12 inches) from all persons. Using higher gain antennas and types of antennas not certified for use with this product is not allowed. The device shall not be co-located with another transmitter.
potential radio interference to other users, the antenna type and its gain should be so chosen that the equivalent isotropically radiated power (e.i.r.p.) is not more than that necessary for successful communication. Conformément à la réglementation d'Industrie Canada, le présent émetteur radio peut fonctionner avec une antenne d'un type et d'un gain maximal (ou inférieur) approuvé pour l'émetteur par Industrie Canada.
